Festool Owners Group

I just got a call from Woodcraft about a recall on the new 55REQ that I purchased. They said I should be getting an official notice from Festool. I'm wondering if anyone has any info of this, as Woodcraft did not know what the recall was concerning.

What is the recall? I have one since last November here in Ireland and have not heard of any recalls

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: Paul G on July 11, 2013, 07:46 PM

Here's another thread on it http://festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/ts-55-req-recall-fact-or-fiction/msg268276/?topicseen#msg268276 (http://festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/ts-55-req-recall-fact-or-fiction/msg268276/?topicseen#msg268276)

Anyone else think the old ts55's were better built . I just bought a new one and my old ones on eBay. The new one just doesn't feel as nicely made as my old model. All the bevel and depth settings seem very vague not as accurate. I'm sure it's something I will get used to but not what I expected.

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: RL on July 12, 2013, 08:14 AM

Shane has closed the other thread for comments, but I think his last comment in it where he states that owners of the 55REQ should stop using it and get in touch with Festool should be posted at the top of the FOG. This problem seems to be quite important.

Shane wrote:-

"Festool has notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada of a potential problem with the plunge mechanism on some TS 55 REQ Plunge-Cut Track Saws. While investigation is continuing, Festool, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), intends to recall affected units. If you have a TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Track Saw, please discontinue use immediately and call Festool directly at 1-855-784-9727.

This thread is closed temporarily for discussion. We will reopen this thread and provide more information once it becomes available. Thank you for your patience."

- They will send a UPS label to ship the saw to and they will repair the plunge issue.- I could send it to them and they would offer a deal to trade/upgrade it to a TS75.- They would give me a full refund.

I opted for the fix, since I like the saw. I was impressed with how they are handling this.

I agree, I'm bummed...I was looking very forward to the carvex last time and will certainly be an early adopter this time. I respect festool for their approach to this issue. Heck, they're willing to upgrade you to a pricier saw that you can turn around and possibly sell if you choose once the problem is corrected.

Either way, it's comforting to know that a company stands behind its product and is willing to rectify potential hazards with more than one option!

- They will send a UPS label to ship the saw to and they will repair the plunge issue.- I could send it to them and they would offer a deal to trade/upgrade it to a TS75.- They would give me a full refund.

I opted for the fix, since I like the saw. I was impressed with how they are handling this.

I had a similar experience when calling and opted for the TS75 replacement since I need to keep working and have no desire to switch to a different brand track saw. I don't know the extent of the TS55REQ problem out there, I had not experienced any issues but I understand their desire to mitigate future risk in this regard. A lot can be learned about a company in how they address problems and mistakes, it's a difficult and costly situation for Festool and frankly I'm impressed with how its being handled. Of course its best to avoid a problem in the first place, but unfortunately these things can and do happen in spite of efforts to avoid it. Most importantly I hope no one has been injured, any inconvenience I may experience from this pales in comparison.

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: darita on July 12, 2013, 03:53 PM

Just spoke with Festool and was offered the three generous choices. My only concern is that as of right now, they have no fix for the issue, as I was told, so there will be a wait. I'll likely send mine in for the fix and wait.

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: LM on July 12, 2013, 04:15 PM

I would be interested to know the issue being in the uk we have had ours longer, I have only ever had a plunge problem once, when I used for a lot of ripping work without DC connected and the saw filled up with course sawdust preventing the blade from fully retracting but this was my fault for leaving my ct26 on another job, and a few shakes to remove the dust the problem was fixed.

I opted for the repair. In wonder why in Germany they don't have this problem.Apparently the UK is also fine.Let's wait until and see.I have the TS75 from the recon program, so my options are not too many.

I think this is a great example of how proactive Festool USA is concerning the customer. They (Festool) felt there was a problem and looked to resolve it before a huge problem occurred. The fact is sh** happens in production, but it takes a good company to admit and try to rectify their sh** before a real issue occurs.

If you have one of these saws in NA you should be contacting Festool thru the number on your saw.

If you don't have a saw I would venture a guess that there will be an official statement at some point.

Peter

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: darita on July 12, 2013, 08:21 PM

Since they don't even know exactly what the problem is and what the fix is, would it be prudent to wait, before choosing one of the three current options? I asked the CS person at Festool if the offer has an expiration date and she said she didn't know. She said it could go on until all are satisfied or it could just end...she couldn't tell me. I just don't want to make a choice now and then because of what is learned, other options are offered. Hmmmm...

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: darita on July 12, 2013, 10:52 PM

After giving this whole thing some thought and consideration and after doing some other research, I've come to the conclusion that Festool being Festool, will take care me no matter what. Since I bought the REQ because of it's features, I'll stick with it. As for sending it in, I'll wait on that too and see what unfolds in the next week or so. It's not like I'm going to ask for my money back on it.

David [welcome] to FOG, it's a great place to be for advice and ideas. Your thinking on the wait will be a good thing as Festool will resolve this issue and make the TS 55R even that much better.In the meantime there is so many other Festoys to play with

Thanks for the welcome everyone, I have no doubt all will be handled very professionally. Four Festool purchases within the last two months and very pleased with all of them . David

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: DrD on July 13, 2013, 07:58 PM

Just found this thread. Called the Festool number, but, they're not open on weekend. So, for those opting for the 75, is it straight up swap-out, or does it cost? I have too many guide rails to switch to another brand, and I really cannot be without a saw for an undetermined period of time.Thanks for any info.DrD

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: Vi_k on July 13, 2013, 08:05 PM

Bummer about the 55REQ, I feel for those who have to deal with a recall. That totally blows but Festool does things proper and the offers are the right solution to the problem IMHO.

I decided to get a TS75 instead of a 55REQ and am extremely happy with the saw. It really isn't that heavy or big and does a terrific job through 1¼" MDF and ¾" Plexi and 2¾" Oak.

Just found this thread. Called the Festool number, but, they're not open on weekend. So, for those opting for the 75, is it straight up swap-out, or does it cost? I have too many guide rails to switch to another brand, and I really cannot be without a saw for an undetermined period of time.Thanks for any info.DrD

Straight swap. My 'cost' is in buying additional new blades for the larger saw.

I purchased the 55REQ a couple months ago and noticed the catch in the plunge mechanism on the release. I had to play with the plunge action a little to get it to return to the home position. I talked to the dealer that I bought it from and they weren't aware of any issues at the time. Unfortunately, I had to use the saw a couple times since and haven't had any issues. I've been extremely happy with it so far, but I will be watching this thread to see what happens with the recall.

How come when I talk to my festool dealer I'm more knowledgable about festool products,promotions,vouchers,recalls,etc..? I talked with my dealer today and they were pretty much clueless. They must have not got the memo.

How come when I talk to my festool dealer I'm more knowledgable about festool products,promotions,vouchers,recalls,etc..? I talked with my dealer today and they were pretty much clueless. They must have not got the memo.

Find a new dealer - there's no excuse for ignorance when it comes to the products you sell and should support. I'd imagine the direction of his advice is directly related to profit and nothing else!

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: darita on July 14, 2013, 10:17 AM

Unfortunately, my retailer and most of his help are equally ignorant when it comes to Festool. I'm not sure why, because they seem to know a bit about everything else in the store, but when it comes to Festool, they all have to refer to their Festool catalog, whenever I ask a question. That said, they are the ones that alerted me to the recall. I'm sure your retailer was notified...whether or not he/she chose to spread the word to his people, is another thing.

If it is NA only, that poses an interesting scenario. Other than electronics (US voltages, phases, etc) which affects the motor, aren't the remaining features/design elements the same world-wide? If it works in other places, what changed in the NA model? Just asking, as root cause analysis is an area in which I have some experience.

If it is NA only, that poses an interesting scenario. Other than electronics (US voltages, phases, etc) which affects the motor, aren't the remaining features/design elements the same world-wide? If it works in other places, what changed in the NA model? Just asking, as root cause analysis is an area in which I have some experience.

DrD

Well, when they set up the factory to (mass) produce tools for N. America it is a year or more later than the first production run that the rest of the world got. I assume they then make tweaks to the tools and/or production for the N. American run. Maybe they don't always get the tweaks right....

If it is NA only, that poses an interesting scenario. Other than electronics (US voltages, phases, etc) which affects the motor, aren't the remaining features/design elements the same world-wide? If it works in other places, what changed in the NA model? Just asking, as root cause analysis is an area in which I have some experience.

DrD

As you noted the recall doesn't involve the electronics but rather the plunge mechanism. It could have been a component supplier issue with a batch of parts that coincided with an assembly line changeover to production of NA models.

New to FOG and pretty new to festool in general. Having read throughthe thread I thought I would add my experience with the ts55r. Purchased mine in march of this year and also experienced the problem with the blade not retracting.I sent it back to Festool who had it for a month after which it was returned to me. The problem has been corrected But I found that when plunging it seems to catch in a small notch at around the 25- 30mm mark, my dealer after inspecting it was of the same opinion and suggests I send it back again.So I'm thinking maybe its not only North American models that are affected.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the contributors on this site,Your help and direction have proved invaluable to a novice like me.

My concern is this, with festoon increasing its marketing presence and availability here in north America, is quality control going to suffer as a result of increased demand? Will festoon be outsourcing more components to keep up with demand? I think its to be expected, that there will be some manufacturing bugs on the first run of any product, but with hard launches such as the ts55r will public opinion of festoon "quality" be damaged?

Thank you for the welcome, I also have no doubt Festool will put things right.I had a few problems with recent purchases but things were put right at the first opportunity,Best customer service I've come across by far.

Welcome to the FOG Mo - you must be sweltering in London - it is over 30 degrees C down here near Stonehenge.

Had to look up 30C and got a chuckle, thats 86F. The other week we hit 110F (43C) and the overnight low was just below 30C [big grin] I guess it's all about what you're used to.

/sidetrack

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: JSlay on July 14, 2013, 09:50 PM

Hello All, Sorry in Advance!!!! Usually just read the forum & buy the tools, But, When calling Festool for a part for the MFT/3,stated bought saw/table and was notified about recalling the TS 55 due to blade not returning to safe position (possible) after cut, I just got my saw last month and was very bummed out! I was told I could: 1. Return the TS 55 saw (keep guide)TS 75 Eq given even exchange (which I did,not to happy though!) shipped it already 2. Return the TS 55 for full refund (go back to makita?) NO 3. Send TS55 in for repair YES! BUT>>>(when i asked how long, unknown due to Consumer protection agency aproves the fix,redesign and it is acted out.)Due to not sending warrenty in to company they really dont know who has themmaybee the Ben Moore store would? So it would be hard to notify anyone.Sorry to be the bearer of Really Crappy News (for me anyway!)Thanks for all the great info on the TS75 Splinter Gaurd modification especially due to the fact I will be using a TS75 to cut 1/4 inch -1/2 inch veneer now!

Just to clarify, the Festool USA recall is limited to the TS55REQ 110v recently released in North America.

The older TS55EQ are not subject to recall.

As a mater of fact both of the new TS55REQ I have received are working fine, but out of caution they are in their Systainers in my shop's tool crib. Until cleared for use none of my employees will use them. Fortunately I already owned more than enough TS55EQ, all of which are working to factory-new specs.

Title: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: JSlay on July 14, 2013, 10:18 PM

Thanks for the link, I pray I sent The TS 55 Back for Re-inspection, although after asking if/how long it would be before getting it back...unknown.Thats why they offered the TS 75 Even exchange, this unfortunately may take some time, Thanks Kindly for the Welcome to the site!! J. I will call and request to have a repair order put on the saw i shipped back and to be notified when repair will be performed or sucessful inspection! (please God!!!) And Update You folks!It figures Id find a compact saw like this....only to have it recalled! hope it all works out O.k. in the end for Us & Festool (Im usually lucky at being unlucky)

Thanks for the heads up. This sucks being I just sold my EQ in order to buy the REQ. I personally haven't had a problem but I must thank festool for being proactive. I wouldn't expect any less from them!

Welcome to the FOG Mo - you must be sweltering in London - it is over 30 degrees C down here near Stonehenge.

Had to look up 30C and got a chuckle, thats 86F. The other week we hit 110F (43C) and the overnight low was just below 30C [big grin] I guess it's all about what you're used to.

/sidetrack

Until you've grounded flights due to heat, you haven't had heat. Happened in '96 when we hit 121ºF for the first time ever; some approved charts for flights were only printed up to 118º so the flights had to be diverted. Runways were extended, charts printed to (I believe) 125ºF, but it happened again this year when we exceeded 120ºF for two days in a row for certain new planes that again had charts to 118ºF. Dunno why they stop there; in '10, I hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim; it was 118º at the bottom. The two bottles of wine in my backpack were very nearly Madeira by the time we hit Phantom Ranch (a lodge at the bottom).

Welcome to the FOG Mo - you must be sweltering in London - it is over 30 degrees C down here near Stonehenge.

Had to look up 30C and got a chuckle, thats 86F. The other week we hit 110F (43C) and the overnight low was just below 30C [big grin] I guess it's all about what you're used to.

/sidetrack

Until you've grounded flights due to heat, you haven't had heat. Happened in '96 when we hit 121ºF for the first time ever; some approved charts for flights were only printed up to 118º so the flights had to be diverted. Runways were extended, charts printed to (I believe) 125ºF, but it happened again this year when we exceeded 120ºF for two days in a row for certain new planes that again had charts to 118ºF. Dunno why they stop there; in '10, I hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim; it was 118º at the bottom. The two bottles of wine in my backpack were very nearly Madeira by the time we hit Phantom Ranch (a lodge at the bottom).

Its winter here, but reading this I just can't wait for the southern Australian summer to return, endless lazy days of 40C plus with strong hot Nth winds blowing in from the northern deserts. Just bliss!!

A few weeks ago, the temps hit 90 here in Germany during that heat wave. The problem in Germany is that they have never heard of this invention called the "Air Conditioner"...except in cars. So during the heat of the day, we climbed into the Beemer and went sightseeing for the day...just to keep relatively cool! Sleeping lately in the house has been with portable fans set on High, and if there's no breeze, it's just simply hot.

A few weeks ago, the temps hit 90 here in Germany during that heat wave. The problem in Germany is that they have never heard of this invention called the "Air Conditioner"...except in cars. So during the heat of the day, we climbed into the Beemer and went sightseeing for the day...just to keep relatively cool! Sleeping lately in the house has been with portable fans set on High, and if there's no breeze, it's just simply hot.

its really hard to feel bad for you after seeing all those new & unavailable in n/a festools you recently bought. I hope the air conditioner in the Beemer stops working! Sorry, just a little jealous .... The festool clock put me over the edge!

In order to consolidate , all the TS55REQ plunge topics are being combined in this thread.

Seth

Title: Re: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: RKA on July 15, 2013, 11:09 AM

Just a suggestion to the folks at Festool. A small percentage of the affected customers might not be enticed by any of the three options being offered and may instead choose to wait it out. Collect a list of customers and contact information so you can follow up when you have more concrete information about the fix and can provide estimates on turn around times. I got off the phone with a nice young woman in Indiana this morning and suggested this. I understand you would rather get these saws out of the wild until you get this resolved, but unfortunately you're going to have people like me (one difficult SOB) that refuse to give them up if they are presently working, so this might be a good alternative.

Just a suggestion to the folks at Festool. A small percentage of the affected customers might not be enticed by any of the three options being offered and may instead choose to wait it out. Collect a list of customers and contact information so you can follow up when you have more concrete information about the fix and can provide estimates on turn around times. I got off the phone with a nice young woman in Indiana this morning and suggested this. I understand you would rather get these saws out of the wild until you get this resolved, but unfortunately you're going to have people like me (one difficult SOB) that refuse to give them up if they are presently working, so this might be a good alternative.

Good proposal because I have an UPS label from festool but have decided to wait until we know more. Like Peter P.I use mine upside down in the CMS table.

Just a suggestion to the folks at Festool. A small percentage of the affected customers might not be enticed by any of the three options being offered and may instead choose to wait it out. Collect a list of customers and contact information so you can follow up when you have more concrete information about the fix and can provide estimates on turn around times. I got off the phone with a nice young woman in Indiana this morning and suggested this. I understand you would rather get these saws out of the wild until you get this resolved, but unfortunately you're going to have people like me (one difficult SOB) that refuse to give them up if they are presently working, so this might be a good alternative.

I couldn't agree with this statement more...Right now the message from Festool is hazy and quite honestly I just assume return it. But then how would I know once it was resolved? Not that anyone asked but I think Festool should have known the exact issue BEFORE issuing a full recall. Right now the message to the consumer sounds like this:

Please return your saw, we have no idea what's wrong with it and no idea when we will know.

Thank you ;)

Anyway, I just assume wait until you folks do know more. But would like someone to contact me to tell me when you have a fix. I am in the middle of a project and although I think I am done with the TS for now, you never know when you need that thing.

Title: Re: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: RKA on July 15, 2013, 04:43 PM

Just a quick follow up. I received a PM from Shane and they are doing exactly as I suggested and always intended to. That didn't come across in my conversation with the customer service rep this AM and there could be a number of reasons for that. The point is, call them and ask to be put on a list and if you're getting mixed signals (as I was) about the existence of any list, Shane can make sure it happens. Done.

As for the lack of information being distributed, I wouldn't beat them up about it. First it's a safety issue and they have to deal with that. Second is the fix. If they don't know, I'm sure they are taking it seriously and will sort it out as quickly as possible, but sometimes circumstances prevent it from happening in tandem with the first issue.

Hello All,THANKS SETH FOR THE CLEAN-UP (recall on ts55req) nice work! Heres the skinny,send complete ts55 saw back w/ systainer (call for email ups ship sticker)minus 55guide and............they will send you a ts75 saw to replace it, NO 75 GUIDE/just saw you keep the 55 guide! OR you can get money back* there is no list.... consumer protection agency is controling litigtion on the fix. yipes! Personally...I took the TS75 saw...before they are gone, plus you can use it!If you use the ts55 and get hurt, especially after recall, you will have a limited legal response.

A sincere "thank you" to this forum. I would not have known about the issue and assortment of remedies. I chose the TS 75 swap as I am working on a large built in project making what seems like a bazillion cuts in 4x8 MDF sheets and was wondering why the TS 55 I just bought seemed a little awkward and sticky...I have a small window to get this done and can't be without a saw for unknown period of time.

Today I had another conversation with Festool USA about both of my brand-new TS55REQ. One of them I only opened the Systainer to make sure everything was included. Its 1400mm Guide Rail is still in the sealed factory carton.

The other new TS55REQ I did unpack and adjust to my shop standard toe-in so it matches all my other TS55 and TS75. The factory setting for the TS55REQ is virtually the same as my shop standard. Or at least it was on that saw.

All of us in my firm had a decent chance to use that TS55REQ. It caused no problems. However, for the tasks we perform using a track saw, our current fleet of TS55 can handle the work. I bought the TS55REQs so if we had found an advantage we would be ready.

The retraction was never an issue. During my original conversation with Festool in re the recall, I offered to wait so as to not over load them.

Today we agreed that I will use the return labels they have sent me. Although I have always picked up my new TS55's from my primary Los Angeles dealer, by luck we had two new cartons which are a good fit from those Systainers with a layer of Air-Cap bubble wrap. Normally our UPS pick-up is about 4:25 PM. I left before then so I am not sure when those saws were picked-up.

I did not return the Guide Rails because I took the option of fixing or returning those saws when Festool can do so. I felt accepting a refund would create tax problems for me. I can wait for the return or replacement of those saws and this way I eventually will get them back. I resisted the temptation of swapping the factory new blades with blades in the carton waiting pick-up by the grinding service. I want to be honest, but know that all of my blades get engraved with a serial number before they are sent to be sharpened the first time.

Trust me, I am sure Festool will find a solution to the recall problem and will convince the authorities they have done so. When I get the saws back they will be put to use. Every one of my many other Festools are productive and a joy to use.

Title: Re: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: RL on July 16, 2013, 11:22 PM

Carroll,

You are in the unusual position of having plenty of spare saws and the luxury of being able to send in your saw when it is convenient for you to do so. I'd guess you are one of a tiny minority of similar users.

I have a single TS55 REQ with a couple of blades. If I send in my saw now, I will be without a saw for the foreseeable future. I don't want to switch it for the TS75 as it makes my other blades redundant and I don't need the extra size. A refund is of no interest to me.

So what to do? I think I will continue to use my saw- carefully- for now until a fix is available and I can obtain a quick turnaround. I only ever use it on a guide rail and wait for it to stop completely before lifting it anyway.

Of course I can only write about my experience. I have been building cabinets for close to 70 years so I have managed to buy more than enough spare tools. Trust me, I feel the pain of everyone who depends on a single tool of each type, be it a saw, drill or router.

My own business plan is to have enough tools that I can reduce time wasted changing a given tool from one function to another. Extra tools do not get paid overtime, nor do they get benefits.

It is not clear to me if you employ other people to use your tools. I have 6 other cabinet makers on my payroll, in addition to an office and support staff. All but me are covered by works comp laws. The investment in the 2 new TS55REQ is a drop in the bucket compared to the consequences of a loss of my workers comp insurance as a result of allowing an employee to use a tool I had been notified was subject to recall. I seriously doubt my claiming the TS55REQ worked safely as designed until it did not retract would influence a court. So I did the pragmatic thing and stopped allowing any use of the saws.

One suggestion since you have TS55-style blades would be to accept the refund for your TS55REQ and find a decent used TS55 which is not subject to a recall.

My own plan had been to buy a few more used TS55 from people I know who wanted to own a TS55REQ. The first day of the recall I sold one of those TS55 back to the pal who had owned it when he had to send his TS55REQ back to Festool. I do not want to be selfish. In the short term, the value of TS55EQ has shot through the roof at the moment. I assume none are left in dealer inventory, so those who bought recon TS55 must be overjoyed now.

I own 2 TS75 and all of the cabinet makers working for me has a personal TS75. None of us consider those a direct replacement for a TS55 on a daily basis. To us the TS75 is intended for different tasks, which do not occur all that often when we build cabinets. Of course all of us build other things in addition to the cabinets which provide our livings.

Festool will make all this right by us eventually. This recall added to the CSA situation of the Mini and Midi has got to frustrate many users. I do not own either of those CT and all of my CT22 and CT36 have UL stickers which are required for California employers.

Title: Re: Recall On 55REQ...
Post by: RL on July 17, 2013, 01:48 AM

Hi Carroll,

In answer to your question, woodworking is merely a hobby for me so I do not need more than one saw. As for your suggestion to accept the refund and buy an original TS55, I had to smile when I read it because I sold my TS55 to buy the new REQ!

It's frustrating but Festool will get there in the end...hopefully sooner rather than later!

In answer to your question, woodworking is merely a hobby for me so I do not need more than one saw. As for your suggestion to accept the refund and buy an original TS55, I had to smile when I read it because I sold my TS55 to buy the new REQ!

It's frustrating but Festool will get there in the end...hopefully sooner rather than later!

In answer to your question, woodworking is merely a hobby for me so I do not need more than one saw. As for your suggestion to accept the refund and buy an original TS55, I had to smile when I read it because I sold my TS55 to buy the new REQ!

It's frustrating but Festool will get there in the end...hopefully sooner rather than later!

In answer to your question, woodworking is merely a hobby for me so I do not need more than one saw. As for your suggestion to accept the refund and buy an original TS55, I had to smile when I read it because I sold my TS55 to buy the new REQ!

It's frustrating but Festool will get there in the end...hopefully sooner rather than later!

When a company issues a recall (auto, household things etc) there is a statement saying what the problem might be.

FOG has a lot of members but it certainly doesn't cover all the folks who bought this saw. As I understand it the dealer registers you or one does it oneself. So Festool has a database. So far I have received nothing from Festool telling me what the problem might be.

For those on the fence about getting a TS75 in lieu of waiting for the 55REQ, I love my 75 and have been very pleased with its performance since I bought it. You just might find that the extra capacity and power suites your needs and it is really not that much heavier than the 55. Plus you could always sell it later if you wanted to re-buy the 55REQ and come out ahead in the deal. It is a bummer that things like this happen, but they do and it is great to see Festool stand behind their offerings and provide options to appease its customers.

For those on the fence about getting a TS75 in lieu of waiting for the 55REQ, I love my 75 and have been very pleased with its performance since I bought it. You just might find that the extra capacity and power suites your needs and it is really not that much heavier than the 55. Plus you could always sell it later if you wanted to re-buy the 55REQ and come out ahead in the deal. It is a bummer that things like this happen, but they do and it is great to see Festool stand behind their offerings and provide options to appease its customers.

Scot

I wish I was able to recieve a TS75 with a generous discount like the recall has offered to customers. The 75 is really necessary for slabs and large doors, timbers. Why would you not have one?

Plus you could always sell it later if you wanted to re-buy the 55REQ and come out ahead in the deal.

Quote

I wish I was able to receive a TS75 with a generous discount like the recall has offered to customers.

While the swap option is fair in my opinion, it's not the financial windfall it may seem to be. Yes, there is a difference of $110 between the price of the 55R and the 75....however, the rails are not being swapped. So unless my math is wrong, you are essentially coming out $40 ahead if you view the deal in its entirety.

Plus you could always sell it later if you wanted to re-buy the 55REQ and come out ahead in the deal.

Quote

I wish I was able to receive a TS75 with a generous discount like the recall has offered to customers.

While the swap option is fair in my opinion, it's not the financial windfall it may seem to be. Yes, there is a difference of $110 between the price of the 55R and the 75....however, the rails are not being swapped. So unless my math is wrong, you are essentially coming out $40 ahead if you view the deal in its entirety.

Yup, I was thinking about that last nite. The t75 comes with longer guide rail than the t55. I still going with the swap though. Got my ups return label today, she will be leaving me tomorrow [crying]

Plus you could always sell it later if you wanted to re-buy the 55REQ and come out ahead in the deal.

Quote

I wish I was able to receive a TS75 with a generous discount like the recall has offered to customers.

While the swap option is fair in my opinion, it's not the financial windfall it may seem to be. Yes, there is a difference of $110 between the price of the 55R and the 75....however, the rails are not being swapped. So unless my math is wrong, you are essentially coming out $40 ahead if you view the deal in its entirety.

Yup, I was thinking about that last nite. The t75 comes with longer guide rail than the t55. I still going with the swap though. Got my ups return label today, she will be leaving me tomorrow [crying]

Well, all true, unless you buy a reconditioned TS75 then you come out on top with the longer rail. After all is said and done your NEW TS55 will be a reconditioned tool in the end.

EDIT: Also, wouldn't Festool want to get rid of some TS75's??? I'm sure they will implement the upgrades of the REQ into a TS75 REQ soon enough...minus the recall of course

I am sure that Festool will let us know more as soon as they can. I am not involved and do NOT have any insider knowledge, but can only imagine that once they started the process all sorts of requirements and restrictions came into play.

I strongly suggest no one attempt to modify their saw in any way. You may void your warranty.

I TOTALLY AGREE!

Modifying your tool when you have been offered options is plain stupid and unnecessary. This recall is about safety concerns. Please pay attention and discontinue use of the tool, investigate the options available to you offered by the manufacturer.

We often read here about the resale values of Festool products and there is even an active Classified area on the forum. Let me introduce a thought to you who aren't thinking about going thru the recall process or are thinking about self-modification. If later on someone who has one of the affected saws sells his saw as used, and he has modified it himself, or has not gone thru the recall process - and the buyer gets injured, guess who will contacted by the personal injury attorney? The person who previously owned the saw; knew about the recall; didn't adhere to the manufacturer's requests, and modified his tool, and then sold it that way. Good luck to him / her.

Disclaimer: I am a Festool owner. I am not an employee. I was elected by members here more than three years ago as a Moderator of this forum to be a representative of the members on a manufacturer owned forum and I have done my best to make this place a better place to visit and share knowledge. The comments above are my own, not encouraged or discussed with the manufacturer or anyone else. In fact I may have been too harsh and I run the risk of moderation for my shouting and potential rudeness, but this is serious and I don't care.

I do care about the health and wellness of people here both now and in the future.

I'm not suggesting anyone modify it, simply stating it could be done. Could and should are 2 different things. BUT LIKE STATED ABOVE- it would be stupid (i don't know about unnecessary though).

Anyhow, I'm taking a deeper plunge (pun intended); I'm swapping mine today for the TS75...I'm not sure how to feel about that yet as I just bought the saw a week and a half ago, but I need a track saw in my shop.

After looking at Sukurama's photographs, it has just occurred to me that there is a major difference in the 55REQ B sold in Australia and the one in Nth America, and I am not talking about voltage. Have a close look at this photograph.

I will modify this post with a closer picture within 24hrs, after all its 11.15pm here, I am in bed!

The intent of this forum has always been to encourage education, discussion and sharing of knowledge particularly about Festool products. Along those lines feel free in this thread to talk about what might be the problem at hand with the TS-55R here, etc, but in keeping with the forum guidelines developed and posted long, long ago, descriptions or imagery about modification of Festool products may be removed without prior notice.

This is not about censorship. This is about safety and a product intimately performing safety wise as the manufacturer initially intended.

Hi everyone. First time poster. I too had just sold my ATF for the REQ only to see this thread shortly after delivery. I too contacted Festool, considered the three options, and ultimately out of an abundance of caution returned the saw to my selling dealer for prompt refund. (inside 30 days) Will use my 75 model for time being.

I really appreciate the recent comments about safety and education to the FOG community and agree wholeheartedly. At end of day I am grateful Festool is trying get ahead of this thing.

Several post have been removed from this thread because they do not align with our forum guidelines about safety and modification of tools.

This thread is being locked. Any future threads or posts about this issue will be immediately deleted. As soon as more information is available, I'll be very proactive in sharing it. My sincere apologies for any inconvenience this has caused our customers.